Four top tips for supporting employee mental wellbeing during the festive season
The festive period is in full swing and it is synonymous with twinkling lights, decorations and the spirit of giving.
But employers must recognise that they have a responsibility beyond providing the perfect office party and facilitating holiday hustle and bustle. The added pressures of the festive season can lead to wellbeing issues for some employees and the celebrations can negatively affect people in different ways.
Mental health issues at Christmas are more common than many might think. Around one-quarter of the population finds the season more challenging than any other time of the year, with just under 20% saying it has a negative impact on their mental health.
This, coupled with ‘pleasanteeism’ — the pressure to put on a brave face — means there may be many within your workforce who are struggling behind the scenes, rather than opening up about how they really feel.
Using insights from Unum’s latest research with Censuswide into the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on employees, here are four top tips on supporting employees during this festive season and into 2024:
1. Acknowledge the financial realities
The continued cost-of-living pressures could be a significant factor that may affect the experience of Christmas for many employees.
Firstly, recognise the financial strain that much of your workforce may be facing. Some 69% of employees in Unum’s survey said the general cost of living worried them on a daily basis, and 49% cited the rising cost of energy as one of their biggest concerns. Simply managing their finances on a day-to-day basis was causing 40% to feel anxious.
Opening up about financial pressures will help to normalise the topic, reducing any stigma employees may feel. Employers can ease the burden by organising workshops on budgeting, removing additional seasonal expenses such as a Secret Santa and providing employees with forums to share cost saving ideas and discount schemes.
2. Invest in extra mental health support
The pressure to meet deadlines and year-end goals, to organise the Christmas shopping and plan social gatherings, or, conversely, the prospect of extended periods of loneliness or isolation, can all contribute to increased levels of stress at this time of year.
With 46% of those surveyed saying the cost-of-living crisis was making them feel more anxious in general, and 37% reporting they feel physically tired or have low energy as a result, the combination of Christmas and the strain of managing increasingly squeezed finances can be uncomfortable.
Prioritising mental health resources should be high on your agenda and make sure all your employees know where they can go to access these.
3. Foster inclusive celebrations
Employers should be mindful of the many cultural celebrations that occur during the holiday season. Embrace flexibility in festive planning, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all approach may not resonate with everyone. Recognising and respecting the diversity in your workforce promotes a sense of belonging and embracing different traditions helps ensure everyone feels valued and included.
4. Build a resilient workforce
The end of the year often prompts reflections on achievements and challenges. This is the perfect time for employers to engage employees in constructive conversations acknowledging their contributions and challenges and discussing future goals alongside the support they may need to help them to thrive in the coming year. This not only boosts morale, but also sets the stage for a motivated and resilient workforce.
Not just for Christmas...
Supporting employee wellbeing during Christmas is not just a seasonal gesture, it’s an investment in long-term business success. With 20% of survey respondents reporting that they plan to look for a new job with a higher salary and benefits to cope with continuing cost-of-living pressures, these strategies will help to retain your top talent.
By recognising the individual needs within your workplace and building in simple activities to support those who find this season difficult, employers can work towards building a happier, healthier and more productive workplace that thrives through the festive period and beyond.
